Contact Information

Education

PhD – University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

Research Interests

Immune Signaling and Metabolism

The underlying theme of our research is to understand the mechanisms of immune signaling and cell metabolism that control the differentiation and function of T cells, a central cell type in adaptive immunity. We have used a combination of approaches including mouse genetics, cellular immunology and biochemistry, as well as models of autoimmune, infectious and malignant diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis, colitis, listeriosis and leukemia). Within the underlying theme of our research, we have explored T cell responses from two complementary angles: the molecular pathways intrinsic to T cells, and the pathways that act in dendritic cells to cross-regulate T cell responses. For T cell-intrinsic mechanisms, we have been particularly interested in mTOR signaling and metabolic pathways that control the differentiation and function of regulatory and effector T cells (See Shrestha Nat Immunol 2015; Zeng Nature 2013; Yang Immunity 2013; Yang Nat Immunol 2011; Shi J Exp Med 2011). For dendritic cell-mediated extrinsic control of T cell differentiation, we have focused on MAPK, mTOR and related pathways (see Huang Nat Immunol 2012; Huang Immunity 2011). Significant insight into the physiological roles of signaling and metabolic pathways could impact our understanding of fundamental mechanisms of immune regulation and manifest legitimate therapeutic opportunities.